Royal prerogative

Formal powers of the monarch within the executive process of politics in the UK. These powers are part of common law.

Nowadays, the position of the monarch in British politics is largely symbolic, but in theory, the monarch still has the right to e.g. grant pardons. In the course of time, many royal prerogatives have devolved to the ministers. Thus, the power to grant pardons is exercised by the Home Secretary/Prime Minister.

Sources

• http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons/lib/research/briefings/snpc-03861.pdf
• Ministry of Justice, The Governance of Britain – Review of the Executive Royal Prerogative Powers: Final Report, October 2009, paras 26-28